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along with everyone else. It’s too much for me to even really get my head around. Normally when there is a massive tragedy like this one, I get so involved in the details of it. I become obsessed to an unhealthy degree. But with this one I couldn’t bring myself to even watch a single video of the footage. I did listen to NPR, and cried along with the male reporter who was crying through his report. But I haven’t turned on the TV. I haven’t let my mind go to the images of that Kindergarten
class, gunned down execution style. I’ve stayed away from the details, from the thought of those parents, those siblings. It’s too much to take, too much to imagine. My babies are in Kindergarten; my son is in fourth grade. It’s too much.
of school, and never let them go back.
What I most urgently wanted to know yesterday was how to talk to my kids about it when I did pick them up. How to try to explain what happened, in a way that wouldn’t panic them. I am very fortunate to have as a personal friend and my mentor for Athletic Life Coaching, E Patrick Miller. When I came across the tips he had posted to Facebook yesterday evening, I knew I needed to share these with you. With his permission here is his post. I hope it helps, as we all try to make sense of this horrific tragedy, grieve and try to make a change to our communities moving forward.
guidelines for coping, and responding to this nationwide colossal mayhem:
If you are easily triggered, from past traumatic experiences Do Not Watch Television at all. It may have adverse effects on your heart and soul. If you are at risk, or feel you are:
Sit with your feelings, in the company of good friends, and let it pass through you.
Call your health care provider, or therapist, so you can diffuse the process of this event.
Hug them close, but not tight. They will sense your uneasiness. They have great sonar, as opposed to their radar, which may be in a confused and in a bewildered state, as you also may be.
When they are asking you questions about this critical event, answer them honestly.
Keeping in mind their ability to understand, their age, developmental sequences of cognitive abilities…In other words, speak in their language.
Make sure you reassure them that they are safe and you love them dearly, and that yes there are very bad people in this world and we feel for all of the kids, families and people who are effected right
now.
Take the time to just be quiet and sit with them, so they can feel your tactile presence, of sitting next to them.
Check on them regularly. But with ease and comfort.
Allow them to have their own space, to feel the feelings if they need to,.
If your children see you crying, let them know, it is really OK to feel your feelings and that is what you are doing. You are feeling sad for all the kids and families who have been directly and dramatically affected by this senseless and deranged assault on humanity.”
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| E Patrick Miller with Lamar Odom |
Sarah Centrella is the author of the book Hustle Believe Receive which teaches you how to apply the #HBRMethod to change your life and live your dream.
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Author | Life Coach | Motivational Speaker and single mama. I'm a chick on a mission to prove anything is possible for ANYONE. My story featured in the New York Times, Steve Harvey Show and NBC.
Its easy to lose track that this is a beautiful world when things like this happen, just keep peace in your heart and send love like you are now. <3 <3 <3